Catbalogan City announces
housing project for women
CATBALOGAN City -- The local government of Catbalogan City launched
the “Women in Housing” during the celebration of the International Women’s
Day on March 8 at the City Plaza here.
Leading the program, City Councilor Stephany Tan tackled pressing issues
concerning the urban poor sector and likewise discussed the housing project.
She said the city government is determined to provide a comprehensive
housing assistance for women.
This project is in partnership with the Social Housing Finance Corporation’s (SHCF) Local Community Mortgage Program (LCMP).
The city will receive P48 million to fund eight LGU–owned housing
projects, according to the LGU website.
The amount will be given as part of the SHFC localized Community
Mortage Program to be implemented once the city through Mayor Coefredo
‘Tekwa ‘ Uy enters into a MOA with SHFC-an Omnibus Commitment Line
Facility. (Avha Ebalde)

VATICAN City – “Habemus Papam Franciscum.”
White smoke billowed from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel
and the bells of St Peter’s Basilica rang out, signaling the election had taken place after five rounds of voting -- one more than
when Benedict was elected.
The world’s 1.2 billion Catholics have new pope in the person
of Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, the
first non-European pope on Wednes
day after more than 1,200 years of
Church history.
The 76-year-old ‘Pope Francis’
was elected and emerged smil
ing on to the balcony of St.
Peter’s Basilica to cries of
“Long live the pope!” as tens
of thousands of pilgrims
cheered, cried and applauded.
He was the first Latin American pontiff ever elected as
pope.
World leaders, including US
President Barack Obama
hailed the election of a pope
who chose to name himself
after St Francis.
“He is a champion of the
poor and the most

See CATHOLIC
page 6...

Catholics’ new
leader: ‘Pope Francis’

FUN WALK IN CATBALOGAN. In celebration of women’s role in history and
nation-building, the Women of the Nations - New Life Christian Center has
organized the Fun Walk ‘13 last March 16, 2013 at the City Plaza. (Photo and
text by Stephany Uy Tan)

Former San Jorge councilor
arrested for extortion
CATBALOGAN City -The Police Regional Office
8 on Wednesday arrested a
former town councilor for
introducing himself as leader
of the elite police team who allegedly committing extortion
activities in this city.
As this developed, Eastern
Visayas police director Chief
Supt. Elmer Soria warned the
public of many other ‘police
character’ that roamed around
duping civilians and businessmen in the city.
“This tactic of impersonating people with authority
for evil purposes is not new,”
Supt. Soria said as he called
on the public to be watchful
and report suspicious people

introducing themselves as
policemen to the nearest police
station.
On Tuesday, the Regional
Special Operations Group
(RSOG) arrested a 51-year old
former Sangguniang Bayan
member who reportedly tried
to extort money from local
businessmen by threatening
them with arrest.
Demetrio Bariquit y Simbahon, married, of Barangay
Mancol, San Jorge, Samar faces
charges of extortion and usurpation of authority after he was
caught extorting money from
three businessmen in Catbalogan City.
Bariquit is a former town

See FORMER page 2...

Army-NPA clash in
Samar continue
TROOPS from the Army’s 8th Infantry
Division engaged the NPA insurgents in a series
of armed encounters in Samar and Northern
Samar Provinces recently.
The troops of Alpha Company, 43rd Infantry
Battalion apparently have a firefight with the NPA
rebels in the boundary of Barangay Calondan,

See ARMY page 2...

FAKE MONEY. Ms. Loida Cruz (center) Assistant Manager, Cash
Department of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas informs the public on
basic distinction between genuine and fake Philippine peso bill during a media briefing last Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at PNP National
Headquarters, Camp Crame.
The PNP warned the public to be vigilant and report any information regarding the proliferation of fake money in the provinces.

PUPUA BEACH RESORT

Welcome to:

Catbalogan City
Home Away from Home!

For reservation, contact: 0918.9265.791 (Ben)

Want real news? Subscribe now, call 251-2341

Samar Weekly Express

THE REGION

2

MARCH 12 - 18, 2013

Website: www.issuu.com/samarweeklyexpress

FORMER from page 1 ...

EARTH HOUR. Region 8 Information Director Olive Tiu (2nd from right, first row) signs the memorandum of agreement together
with supporters of the Earth Hour 2013 from government agencies, non-government organizations, media, students, academe and
other sectors led by the JCI Candahug Liberation, Inc. The signing was held at Robinsons Place Tacloban City on March 15. This is
the 7th year that Earth Hour is headed by the JCI Candahug Liberation with the support of PIA. (Raul S. Tiozon/PIA-8)

Villar vows to help
empower women
TEAM PNoy senatorial candidate Cynthia Villar assured
to help empower Filipino women because, according to her, 50
percent of our population are women and more than 50 percent
of our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are also women.
In a Women’s Month celebration in Pampanga, Villar
divulged that 95 percent of the OFWs who were provided assistance by the Villar Foundation’s Sagip-OFW were women.
Villar, known as “Misis Hanep Buhay,” is the managing
director of the Villar Foundation, which has been helping our
OFWs from different countries in the past 20 years.
Some of these OFWs, Villar said, were maltreated by their
employers, and worse, sexually abused and raped.
Because of this, Villar vowed she would not stop helping
women and empowering them to become productive members
of the society.
She remains thankful to Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda and
other local officials for inviting her to the momentous event to
recognize the important role being played by women.
“The women is the sector closest to my heart being a
woman and a public servant,” stressed Villar.
She said it is always a pleasure for her to interact and be
with her fellow women.
“As you know, I personally advocate for the empowerment
of women across all sectors. It is my belief that women play
an important role in nation-building,” she said.
“And I am happy that the leadership of Pampanga under
Gov. Pineda share my love for women,” she further said.
She said the country needs more empowered women
because when “we empower women, we empower families
and generations of people”.
She related that when she was congresswoman of the lone
district of Las Pinas from 2001- 2010, she prioritized legislations that uphold the welfare of women and family.
Among these pieces of legislations are the Magna Carta
of Women and the Anti-Violence against Women and AntiTrafficking against Women and Children Law.
And as managing director of the Villar Foundation, Villar
said she has been pursuing programs that would redound to
the benefit of women.
Her “Hanep Buhay” campaign slogan promises job opportunities for women through her livelihood projects.
“Nanininawala kasi ako na hanep ang buhay pag may
hanapbuhay,” pointed out by “Misis Hanep Buhay.” (PR)

60 Eastern Visayas ARB
groups receive over P19-M
farm emplements from DAR
TACLOBAN CITY – Officers and members of 60 recipient Agrarian Reform Beneficiary organizations trooped to the
Department of Agrarian Reform Regional Office compound on
March 7 in order to personally receive the P19 million worth of
modern farm equipment from DAR Undersecretary Felix Perry
Villanueva.
The sudden downpour did not stop the turn over rites as
the visibly over joyed ARBOs signed the acceptance documents
in front of USEC Villanueva, and Finance and Administrative
Director Teresita Panlilio from the Central Office and DARRegion 8 officials, Mr. Jose Alsmith Soria, DAR 8 Information
head, informed.
These farm implements according to USEC Villanueva, are
given to identified ARBOs as capacity enhancement to the latter’s agricultural economic activities under the Agrarian Reform
Communities Connectivity and Economic Support Services
(ARCCESS).
Tolosahay Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative
(TOFAMCO) Chairman Balbino Leona explained that with the
new equipment given to their organization, land preparation and
harvesting of rice would now be much faster and easier.
TOFAMCO is one of the two recipients in the region of the
P1.2 million combine harvester, which functions as harvester
and thresher, Mr. Soria said. Mr. Balbino added that with these
equipment, the organization expects to incur less expenses and
earn more in their farm operations.
DAR Regional Director Eliasem Castillo disclosed that there
are 97 modern farm equipment worth P19.4 million given away
to 60 ARBOs regionwide.
These include 37 hand tractors; 30 threshers; 10 cultivators;
eight water pumps; six flatbed driers; two reapers; two mechanical
transplanters; and 2 combine harvesters.
Among the economic activities of these ARBOs that get funding support under ARCCESS, Castillo added, are rice, organic
vegetable, sugarcane and cassava production and marketing.
DAR Regional Director Eliasem Castillo expressed optimism that with these equipment provided to them, the ARBOs
will have higher yield from their awarded lots in the succeeding
agricultural years.
Eventually, the ARBOs will hopefully have an increased
income resulting to a better quality life thereby contributing to
poverty reduction and employment generation in the rural areas
under President Benigno Aquino’s 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan, Director Castillo added. (PIA 8)

councilor in San Jorge, Samar and is running for the same
position in the May 2013 elections.
The victims claimed the suspect introduced himself
as Inspector Nick and a team leader of the elite RSOG,
asked money from them and threatened to arrest them
for unknown charges.
The 3 victims reported the extortion activities of the
suspect to the real RSOG which conducted an entrapment
operation against Bariquit.
On Wednesday afternoon, the victims agreed to meet
Bariquit at Petron Gasoline station in Brgy. 3, Catbalogan
City and handed money to the suspect, wherein RSOG
under Police Inspector Constantino Jabonete, Jr., immediately arrested him.
Recovered from the possession of the suspect were
three expired Mission Orders (MO) from the Military
Intelligence Group 8 (MIG8), identification cards of CIDG
and Police Hotline Movement, Inc., CIDG coordination
form, an arrest warrant for Rape, a Suzuki motorcycle
and the P1000.00 cash which he took from the victims.
The suspect was brought to Samar Provincial Crime
Laboratory Office in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City
for ultraviolet examination and is currently detained at
Catbalogan police station lock-up cell.

CATHOLICS from page 1 ...
vulnerable among us,” Obama said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Argentinean President Cristina Kirchner wished
her fellow countryman “a fruitful pastoral mission.” Latin
America is said to be have the highest number of Catholics
in the world -- in contrast to the decline of Catholicism in its
traditional bastion in Europe, reports said.
Francis also publicly thanked his 85-year-old predecessor
Benedict XVI, who shocked the world last month by becoming the first pope to resign for seven centuries.
The new pope is believed to have been the runner-up at the
conclave in 2005 that elected Benedict -- although cardinals
taking part are sworn to secrecy on pain of excommunication.
The Vatican said his formal inauguration mass would be on
Tuesday -- an important date in the Catholic calendar because it is the Feast of St Joseph, patron saint of the universal
Church.

ARGO: DA-8’s new website

TACLOBAN CITY- The Department of Agriculture regional office (DA-8) has come up with a new official website
called agricultural related on-line (AGRO) project which prides
itself as the first of its kind in the country.
According to Dr. Wilson Cerbito, DA-8 regional technical
director for research and regulation, the AGRO project is a
major component of the Matuwid na DAAN or Department
of Agriculture Accountability Network.
Cerbito said that the Matuwid na DAAN website provides
a readily-accessible and fully-dedicated medium for the DA’s
advocacy of adhering to transparency and accountability in
pursuing food security while promoting public awareness of its
community-focused projects and activities nationwide.
He also said that among the features in the website are
the profiles of all DA projects vis-a-vis their fund allocation,
cumulative disbursements, completion period, percentage of
accomplishment and other relevant data, including regularly
updated photos, which were provided by the attached agencies,
corporations and regional field units of DA.
Aside from the Matuwid na DAAN section, users can also
find the online database of the DA-Leyte National Farmers Registry System (NFRS) and the Inventory System of Agriculture
and Fisheries Investments (ISAFI), and the online marketing
hub called Agri-Biz Market Place.
With this institutionalization of the agricultural related
on-line project, the Department of Agriculture expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support from the LGUs and
agriculture and veterinary offices in region eight. (Ryan Gabriel
L. Arcenas)

Women play a big role in alleviating poverty - TESDA
By REBECCA S. CADAVOS

‘Misis Hanepbuhay’ Cynthia Villar

MAASIN City -- Training on different kinds of services is already
part of alleviating poverty, Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA) OIC Provincial Director Rodrigo Lacaba disclosed
during the Foot Spa Training held at the Maasin City Livelihood and
Training Center March 19.
At least 30 inspired women participated the livelihood training, as
one of the activities lined-up by the city Social Welfare Services Office
celebrating Women’s Month this March. “”Training on different services
is part of poverty alleviation program of the government,” Lacaba said
being the guest speaker in the said whole-day activity.
He said that women’s duties and functions in the community is
important just like men, saying that “without women there will be no

progress, since women contribute to the development not only in
the community but throughout the country.”
Lacaba further said that women has the right to be involved in
these endeavor such as trainings in different services like foot spa,
manicure/pedicure, massage, and the like where they can help their
partners earn a living. “While their husbands are working and their
kids go to school, they can also apply their expertise while earning
additional income for the family,” he stressed.
The women learned the foot spa techniques during the lecture
and actual demonstration from the resource persons coming from
the beauty salons in the locality. They were provided with the materials like the spa milk salt, milk power lightening lotion, shrub and
the foot file, courtesy of the city government.

Samar Weekly Express

MARCH 12- 18, 2013

NEWS

For alerts and feedback, e-mail at mysolotrek@gmail.com Website: www.issuu.com/samarweeklyexpress

ARMY from page 1 ...

3

San Jorge and Barangay Barayong, Motiong last March 8.
Similarly, the troops of 20th Infantry Battalion and Pinarican CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) encounters around 15
NPA rebels in a 15-minute fire fight at Brgy Kailingan, San Jose,
Northern Samar last March 7, around 7:30 a.m. which resulted to
the recovery of assorted ammunitions of AK47 rifle, M1 Garand
Rifle and M-16 rifle.
No casualties were reported on the government side but
undetermined on the enemy side.
The armed encounter is a result of reliable information
relayed by the local populace to the military in the area,” said
Lt. Colonel Noel Vestuir, Commanding Officer of 20th Infantry
Battalion.
“These NPA rebels have been harassing the local populace,
forcing to give in to their so-called revolutionary taxes in exchange for securing their communities,” Vestuir added.
In a related event, the troops of 34th Infantry Battalion and
81st Reconnaissance Company overrun a temporary NPA camp
after a 30-minute firefight against 25 NPA rebels in Palapag
Complex, Northern Samar last March 4, 2013.
The encounter resulted to the seizure of the rebel camp and
the recovery two M-16 rifles, two landmines, one rifle grenade,
magazines/ammunitions for M-16 rifles and subversive documents. (Lilith S. tena)

Graduation Time:

Chief Supt. Elmer R. Soria, Regional Police Director of PRO8, on Tuesday reminded the 75 new police recruits to always uphold the
human rights in their police functions as he reiterated that PRO8 is home of the citizen-friendly policemen. (Lilith S. Tena)

OPERATION “Baklas”, a program of work implemented
by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in
Eastern Visayas seek to secure free, orderly, honest, and credible
election without harming the environment.
The move of the DENR is the protection of trees from being
harmed through nailed posters and stapled campaign materials
this midterm election.
Manolito Ragub, DENR regional executive director disclosed that their office has implanted “Operation Baklas” since
the start of the campaign period for national candidates last

February 12 in various areas in the region. The program will run
until the end of the local campaign period.
Ragub said that field personnel of the DENR and other deputized agents are going around on a daily basis to remove stapled
or nailed campaign paraphernalia.
He also said that the DENR will impose penalties to those
caught nailing posters, billboards, tarpaulins, or streamers on living trees even inside private properties or along roads, highways
or public parks.
Candidates were advised by Ragub to advise their supporters
to refrain from using nails or staples in posting campaign materials as these could harm the trees.

Philippine Eagle abounds in the rich
forests of Taft, Eastern Samar
THE ecologically important bird species, the Philippine Eagle
with the scientific name of Pithecophaga Jefferyi naturally inhabits
the rich forests of Samar.
The recent citing of the Philippine Eagle at the Taft Forest Wildlife
(Philippine Eagle) Sanctuary confirmed this, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Executive Director Manolito
Ragub said.
“The sighting of the Philippine Eagle is something which
the people of Eastern Visayas must be proud of,” Ragub said. “It is in
this part of the country where this important bird species naturally
abound,” he added.
He said that the presence of the Philippine Eagle is an indicator
that there is still an ecologically-balanced forest in Samar.
He added that while the government is spending so much money
just to propagate this species in captive breeding like what is being
done by the Philippine Eagle Foundation Center in Davao, Eastern
Visayas has its own naturally breeding Eagles in the forests of Samar.
The Taft Forest Wildlife¸ the Philippine Eagle¸ was sighted on
March 10, in the forests of San Rafael, Taft, Eastern Samar which is
part of the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary, Samar Island Natural Park
Protected Area Superintendent Angelito Villanueva informed RED
Ragub in a report.
The Philippine Eagle was sighted by Ms. Ruth Francisco, a member of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines in the course of her bird
watching activity. Together with Ms. Francisco was Mr. Joselito Sierra,
a local tour guide of the SINP.
Ms. Francisco who has been conducting birding activities for two
years already, has been to different forested areas in the country like
the Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon. Francisco said that she usually sees
wild birds in flight and the Philippine Eagle in captivity.
At the Taft Philippine Eagle Sanctuary, however, she actually
sighted a Philippine Eagle in the wild just about 100 meters away

from her standpoint.
Ms. Francisco was on her second visit to the SINP to look for the
Mindanao Bleeding Heart, a species of bird in the pigeon and dove family
(Columbidae) so named because of a red blotch on its breast, which is
endemic to the Philippines.
At 7:55 a.m. of March 10, while hiking amidst the forest on a cloudy
with occasional rains morning, we heard the
call of a Rufus Hornbill, Ms. Francisco excitedly
shared to DENR Region 8 Regional Public Affairs
Officer Purificacion Daloos. “Expecting that the Mindanao Bleeding
Heart will follow, I positioned my camera and was excited to see a raptor… the Philippine Eagle,” Ms. Francisco narrated.
“The Philippine Eagle was preening while perching for about five
minutes, on a leafless tree on top of a cliff. It stayed there until three Rufus
Hornbills flew in and perched on a nearby tree. Disturbed by the noise of
the Hornbills, the Philippine Eagle flew away,” Ms. Francisco recounted.
She added that other birds seen in the thickly forested area with
surrounding perching trees were two Samar Hornbill, two Yellowish
Bulbul, one Amethyst Brown Dove, four Red¬-keeled Flowerpecker,
four Orange-bellied Flowerpecker, two Philippine Bulbul, and one
Sunpride Species.
RED Ragub said the sighting of the Philippine Eagle is not only a
moment of pride and rejoicing, but more so, a challenge and reminder
to every Filipino especially the people of Samar to help protect the
remaining forest of Samar. The continued existence of the Philippine
Eagle and other wildlife species depends on the condition of the forest,
their habitat, RED Ragub said. The Philippine Eagle was first sighted in
Paranas, Samar on June 15, 1896 by a British collector John Whitehead.
The various sightings of the Philippine Eagle in the forests of Samar
prompted then President Joseph Estrada to declare on July 31, 1999,
the 3,720 hectares of the said forests as Taft Forest Wildlife (Philippine
Eagle) Sanctuary through Presidential Proclamation No. 155. (Erlinda
Olivia P. Tiu)

SPECIAL REPORT:

A time to remember, celebrate
By VIRNA LUNA N. DE LOYOLA,
SWE News & Features
ANOTHER year has ended, another year had just begun. For
the students who have been struggling and juggling with their
studies better known as “working students”, this is the day to sit
back, relax and savor the moment.
This is day to be proud for after the sleepless nights reviewing
for exams, jotting down notes for inspection and familiarizing
the thesis’ data for the heart-pounding mock defense. Believe
me, ‘been there done that, being a student was not a bed of roses
for me, just like any other ordinary student, I woke up early and
prepared for school’s demanding schedules of the day.
Wikipedia defines “graduation” as the action of receiving
or conferring an academic degree or the ceremony that is sometimes associated, where students become graduates. Before the
graduation, candidates are referred to as graduands. The date
of graduation is often called “graduation day”. The graduation
itself is also called commencement, convocation or invocation.
This is the summary of the student’s life, as the downfalls and
victorious moments were experienced as a part of the student’s
ride to success.
Graduation day is the day for students’ to discern and reflect for their future. As well as the day to take a few steps and
reminisce the past 4 years where the different phases of learning
almost made the students way to give up and not hold-on as the
hurdles of learning increases level by level.
Graduating from a class is a dream come true for the students, for it is the seal of education that serves as the portal for
the next chapter of their lives, this time, as professionals.
So what’s life in store after graduation? Enroll in a review
center and be ready for board exams or go for a vacation, rest for
a moment after the bumpy ride of learning...well, it’s your choice.
Earning a degree is an honor for the proud family and relatives. It is their pride to see themselves smiling that after the costly
4 years, their beloved sons and daughters have finally crossed the
bridge of wisdom. It is their time to rest and be showered with
happiness in return that they deserved.
Graduation is not only for the proud family, it’s also for the
fellow students that became friends and created good camaraderie while still in the process of learning. The group projects,
sleepovers for thesis study and so on...will surely be missed as the
time has come to part ways for the future.Well, what’s the use of
the social networking sites like facebook and twitter to stay sane
and connected, right?
As the popular song goes, “embrace it with desire, to fill your
life with meaning”, that no matter what and where the voyage
of life might lead you, always remember that the gift of wisdom
should be exampled righteously, always keep yourselves humbled
and grounded after all, you are the captain of your ship.

OFFICE:
The Samar Weekly Express
is published weekly in multi-lingual format
with editorial and business office located at
Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan, Samar (Infront
of Fire Department near City Hall)
CONTACT:
Telephone (055) 251-2341
Fax: (053) 321-5591
Main Office: (053) 321-4833
Mobile: 09207675444
E-MAIL:
trexpelunker@yahoo.com, mysolotrek@
gmail.com
WEBSITE:
www.issuu.com/samarweeklyexpress
All rights reserved. Except as permitted by
law, no part of Samar Weekly Express may be
produced or distributed in any form or by any
means stored in a database or retrieval system
without its prior written permission from the
publisher.

Samar Weekly
Express
is a member of the

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE
The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

SAMAR ISLAND
PRESS CLUB, Inc.
The only SEC registered media organization operating
in the three provinces of Samar
A sister publication of the

EDITORIAL
Habemus Papam!
Faithful across the world and around the globe patiently waited for the
white smoke off the chimney of the Sistine Chapel where 115 cardinals held
the conclave to elect the next Pope. The conclave begun with a Mass with the
intention of seeking guidance and enlightenment from the Holy Spirit as the
cardinals vote for the next pontiff.
Speculations were raised as to what observers consider as top contenders
to succeed the retired Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who took the painstaking
decision to step down from the Petrine seat due to health reasons. The Pope
Emeritus vacated the Papal seat to pave the way for his successor who would
be physically fit to lead the Catholic Church.
The election was different from worldly powers in the different states around
the world. There are no formal nominees as everyone is deemed a candidate
for the Papal seat. Those who belong to the College of Cardinals are deemed
qualified to be voted upon by the members entitled to vote in the conclave. The
cardinals are made to take an oath of secrecy as regards the entire proceedings.
The sanctity of the process is well guarded, ensuring that results of every
voting will remain confidential. Black smoke was emitted through the chimney of
the Sistine Chapel during the first voting. It took four more voting before white
smoke came out of the chimney, signaling the election of a new Pope to succeed
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The election Pope Francis which came after the
fifth voting ended the waiting for a leader of the Catholic Church.
The choice gave a sigh of relief to the faithful who waited at Saint Peter’s
Square and on cable television around the globe. The election was well observed
and covered by the media from various countries as reporters covered the proceedings to give updates to peoples waiting for the next Pope.
The world witnessed the election which served as an epitome of the kind
where the votes are held sacred and the proceedings honest and peaceful. Pope
Francis will met the challenges confronting the Catholic Church and the world
from the time he accepted his election. Habemus Papam!

Talk back with our issues of the week. Send us your
feedback and your own commentary in our

Letter To Editor Section.
Be heard and let us know your say!

Views on News

By Ricky J. Bautista
trexpelunker@yahoo.com

‘Fake money’ this election
IN MY previous columns, I have mentioned and exposed
the proliferation of fake money in Samar provinces. Especially
those time when we conducted our 2010 elections, many of
our poor people received and complained about receiving those
fake things and in exchange of a fake promises from also a fake
candidates.
Worst, if you receive those fake money and you don’t have
the ability or talent to detect it, you might landed in prison for
illegal possession and proliferation of fake money.
So better be careful this election, as many of these candidates are reelectionists and they’re reported to be the source of
these fake money.
On Monday, Philippine National Police warned the public
against proliferation of counterfeit 1,000 peso bills. The PNP’s
advisory was lifted prior to the arrest of seven persons who were
caught in the act of selling counterfeit money on March 4, 2013
in the morning during a buy bust operation which resulted to the
recovery of 80 pieces one thousand peso bills counterfeit money.
Arrested individuals were caught in the act of selling
counterfeit money to policemen who acted as poseur-buyers.
Reports said that this counterfeit money was already
distributed to the National Capital Region, Ilocos Region and
Southern Tagalog Region and in other parts of the region. I am
afraid that, it reached already here in Samar provinces as we are
the gateways from Manila to Mindanao and vice versa.
Accordingly, counterfeit money were believed to be in Maharlika Area, Taguig City and were sold to the group of a certain
JR and Roy, both residents of Daang Hari, Taguig City, in the
amount of 300 pesos per 1,000 peso bill (counterfeit money)
which were used as payments for items they buy.
Meanwhile, PNP Spokesperson, PCSupt Generoso Cerbo
Jr., urged the public to be watchful in receiving money especially
those one thousand peso bills in their financial transactions. As
well, the PNP urge to report the activities of common criminal
groups or individuals to the PNP Public Information Office
thru tel.nos. 7255115 or 7253179, by email at pio@pnp.gov.ph,
or thru PNP Hotline “I-TEXT MO KAY TSIP” 0917-8475757
and PNP TXT 2920.

Samar Weekly Express

MARCH 12 - 18, 2013

Hints and Traces
By Fr. Roy Cimagala
Pope Francis
I, of course, was very happy to know we have a new Pope.
When I woke up at 4 a.m. last Thursday, there were already 5
text messages on my mobile phone. And they all broke to me
the good news. I prayed immediately.
A little later, I scrambled to know more about the new Pope.
Like everyone else I was also surprised and gladdened to learn
about him and his life. The Cardinal from Argentina, a Jesuit,
cannot fail but command love and admiration for the way he
is, for what he has done, for what he stands.
Even in his appearance, there is already a palpable air of
humility, gentleness and compassion. His smile and over-all
demeanor say it all. Besides, he takes the bus to go to work. He
lives in a small apartment instead of the palace reserved for his
office. He only has one lung. In short, he avoid perks.
Of course, as the day wore on, and more impressions and
reactions came in, especially from opinion-makers, some dismay
crept in. In hindsight, I should be prepared to know about these
reactions. Different people can obviously express what they
like. These views can only show from where these columnists
are coming in.
I noted that many of them had to eat crow after badly failing in their predictions. Cardinal Bergoglio was not in many
of their radars. Obviously, the Holy Spirit had something else
in mind besides their brilliant reasonings. But not content with
that, now they are putting a lot of political coloring in the election of the new Pope.
The usual branding poured in—liberal or conservative, prothis or anti-that, etc. Several spins spun wildly. Will he bring the
Church to a new direction, out from the ashes of the sex scandals
afflicting many parts of the Church and the mismanagement of
Republic of the Philippines
REGIONAL TRIAL
COURT
8th Judicial Region
BRANCH 32
Calbayog City
IN THE MATTER OF
DECLARATION OFPRESUMPTIVE
DEATH OF ABSENTE
SPOUSE
ENOPE CANONOY,
ELSA E. LLADOCANONOY,
Petitioner
Special Proceedings No. 492
x----------------x
ORDER

This is a verified petition for
Declaration of Presumptive death
of Absentee Spouse ENOPE S.
CANONOY, filed on October 09,
2012, by petitioner, thru counsel,
praying among others, that after
due notice and hearing, the Court
will render judgment declaring
the petitioner’s absentee spouse
ENOPE S. CANONOY, presumptively dead and granting petitioner
the right to remarry without prejudice to the effect of reappearance
of the absent spouse as provided
for by the law.
The petition reads:
That the petitioner is of legal
age, married, a Filipino, and with
postal address at Brgy. Luna,
Tagapul-an, Samar, that she is
married to Enope S. Canonoy
on December28, 2000 in Brgy.
Luna, Tagapul-an, Samar according to the rites of the Church of
Bishops of Suga-sa Tuluhu-an
officiated by Msgr. Solomon
Biore; that Petitioner an Enope
S. Canonoy had 2 (two) children
namely, John Victor L. Canonoy
and Jules Peter Sim L. Canonoy;
that upon learning that typhoon
”Caloy” is set to hit their place,
petitioner’s husband Enope S.

OPINION

For alerts and feedback, e-mail at trexpelunker@yahoo.com Website: www.issuu.com/samarweeklyexpress

Canonoy, something in May 11,
2006 at around 10:00 o’clock in
the evening, together with six (6)
others, went to the sea of Brgy.
Labangbaybay, Tagapul-an, Samar,
to safe keep their fishing boat named
El John Jules, that while trying to
safe-keep the fishing boat in the
open seas of Tagapul-an, Samar,
petitioner’s husband Enope S.
Canonoy and his six (6) other companions, never returned home that
evening May 11, 2006, that on May
13, 2006, when typhoon ”Caloy”
subsided, any three(3) of the seven
(7) persons aboard the fishing boat
were able to return, that from the
accounts of one of the survivors
named Alberto R. Catamora, the
fishing boat was shattered to pieces
while they were negotiating the sea
of Brgy. Luna, Tagapul-an, Samar
going to San Vicente. All of the
passengers of the boat fell to the sea
including Enope S. Canonoy, whom
AlbertoR. Catamora saw to have
clung to a piece of shattered boat
material until the latter vanished
from his view; that petitioner and
the relatives of Enope S. Canonoy
made exhaustive search and recovery efforts from May 13, 2006 up to
May 15,2006on the coasts and seas
of nearby island towns, and on the
following weeks but no recovery
of the body of Enope S. Canonoy
was had, that petitioner went to
the Police Station of Tagapul-an,
Samar on May 16, 2006, to report
the disappearance of her husband.
She also went to DYOG Radyo ng
Bayan Calbayog to air the fact of
disappearance of her husband, that
from the time Enope S. Canonoy
sailed on the seas of Tagapul-an,
Samar on May 11, 2012 at 10:00
o’clock in the evening up to this
time, petitioner, the absentee’s immediate family and their common
children have absolutely no communication with absentee Enope S.

the Vatican machinery? And at 76, will he just be a caretaker Pope?
Well, the world will always be the world until the end of
time. Its language and logic will often be dominated by passion
rather than by reason, and much less by faith. Yet, in spite of all
that, the grain of truth and the seed of charity can never be lost
completely. And so let’s just be game and try to sort out things
as best as we can.
Patience, therefore, is the name of the game. In the meantime,
let’s remind ourselves some basic, indispensable truths about the
Pope and the papacy, and try to craft a plan to educate everyone
about how we ought to think about the Pope.
The first thing we have to remember is that everything about
the Pope and the papacy is a matter of faith. We cannot take them
mainly, and much less fully, from an earthly, temporal point of
view, be it historical, cultural, political, sociological, ideological,
etc. Our attitude should be theological, more than anything else.
Not that all the other considerations have nothing to say and
contribute. But we need to understand that the directing force of
faith should take precedence. Absent this, then the whole exercise
will have no other end but doom. We would be missing the whole
point about the Pope and the papacy.
This is not going to be easy to take, I know, especially by those
who are very opinionated about anything that has significance in
the national or the world stage. Faith is like asking them to deny
themselves, which is a central part of Christ’s teachings that they
cannot understand.
We have to understand that the Pope, whoever he may be
as long as he is elected properly, is the Vicar of Christ here on
earth. St. Catherine would call him the “sweet Christ on earth.”
As our Catechism teaches us, “The Pope, Bishop of Rome and
Peter’s successor, ‘is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company
of the faithful.’” (882) He has full, surprise and universal power
over the whole Church.
That description alone should make us realize that we all need
to follow the Pope, to be close and united to him in mind and
heart, in his teachings and directives, irrespective of who he is.
There is a Latin expression which I think summarizes the
proper attitude we ought to have toward the Pope. “Omnes cum
Petro ad Iesum per Mariam” (all with Peter to Jesus through
Mary).
This is how we ought to welcome Pope Francis!

Canonoy; Petitioner had earnestly
and exhaustively made efforts in
ascertaining her husband’s location
and existence over the past six (6)
years but of to no avail; that petitioner has well-founded belief that
Enope S. Canonoy is already dead,
such that his being totally unheard
of and absent for over six (6) years
runs counter to normal course of
things for a husband to his wife on
one hand, and for his being father to
two (2) children on the other, had he
been in fact living, more so since the
circumstance of his disappearance is
such that, it was in danger of death;
that petitioner’s ordeal of being
bound to her marriage with Enope S.
Canonoy despite being and absentee spouse has been recognized by
law such that Art. 41 of the Family
Code grants the petitioner the right
to institute a summary proceeding
pursuant to Title XI of the Family
Code of the Philippines, for the
declaration of presumptive death
of the absentee spouse for purposes
of remarriage, if the latter had been
absent for four (4) consecutive years
and that the spouse present has a
well-founded belief that the spouse
was already dead, and that the lapse
of over six (6) years after having
last seen her husband in May 11,
2006 and the well-founded belief
of the petitioner that her husband is
already dead since there was absolutely no communication between
them, and the circumstances of his
disappearance is in danger of death,
gives rights to the petitioner to seek
for a judicial declaration from this
Honorable Court, of the presumptive death of absentee spouse Enope
S. Canonoy, thereby entitling her
to remarry under the provisions of
Article 41of the Family Code of the
Philippines
WHEREFORE, finding the
petition to be sufficient in form and
substance, notice is hereby given

that this case is set for initial hearing on May 20, 2013 at 2:00 o’clock
in the afternoon before this Court,
at which date, time, and place, all
persons who have objection thereto
may file any opposition and show
cause why the petition should not
be allowed.
Let this Order be published at
the expense of the petitioner, once
a week for three (3) consecutive
weeks prior the above-setting in a
newspaper of general circulation
in the Province of Samar and in the
City of Calbayog.
Furnish copy of this Order
together with a copy of the petition
and all its annexes to the Office of
the Solicitor General (OSG), 134
Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village,
Makati City, the Office of the City
Prosecutor of Calbayog, the Office
of the Clerk of Court, Calbayog
City, the parties and their counsels,
for their information and comments.

Here’s who we should vote for in May
LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… my people are destroyed from
lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6, the Holy Bible).
-oooSPIRITUALITY, AND CANDIDATES’ RELATIONSHIP
WITH GOD: As part of our voters’ education campaign in this
column, we shall continue to write about standards that Filipinos
can use to choose who to vote for in the upcoming May 2013
elections. It is my fervent prayer that what we are writing here
insofar as electing the candidates that will really work for the
best interests of the Filipino nation and the country as a whole
will find their mark in the hearts of every voter.
I believe that the time has come to choose our candidates
well, by looking at their track record over just one particular
issue---the issue of spirituality, or their relationship with God,
and how well they have listened to, and obeyed, God’s commands
written in the Bible.
If the candidate has a healthy dose of spirituality and is a
known follower of God’s commands---doing them, not simply
mouthing them---then he can be a good official likewise. The
first guideline therefore is: we must elect a candidate in whom
the Spirit of God dwells.
-oooGUIDELINES IN VOTING FOR A CANDIDATE: It is only
the candidate in whom the Spirit of God dwells who has the fear
and love of God that will allow him to discharge his duties and
responsibilities as an elected official according to God’s commands, and who will be restrained from stealing and abusing.
The second guideline is: we must elect candidates who are
able and knowledgeable of the jobs they are aspiring for, and those
who hate dishonest gain. These candidates will be competent,
will surely produce good results once they are elected, and will
uphold the interests of God, country, and people, all throughout.
Then third guideline is: we must elect candidates who are
willing to be the slaves---literally and figuratively---of the people
and their constituents. Too many candidates have acted like kings
and queens of the people they have sworn to serve, so that they
have upheld only their own personal and political interests once
they got elected.
-oooBIBLICAL DIMENSIONS OF VOTING: The first guideline
is taken from Genesis 41:38 of the Bible, where the Pharaoh of
Egypt was looking for a man who would save his country from
destruction as a result of a seven-year famine that Joseph, son
of Jacob, warned about. The Pharaoh said: “Is there such a man
in whom the Spirit of God dwells?”
The second guideline is taken from Exodus 18:21, where
Jethro was telling his son-in-law Moses about who he should
install as leaders of the people. Jethro told Moses he must chose
the people who are capable, “men who fear God, trustworthy
men who hate dishonest gain.”
The third guideline comes from Mark 10:43-44, where Jesus
Christ, our God and Savior, was telling John and James, the sons
of Zebedee, what a leader should do, according to the will of the
Father. Jesus said: “… whoever wants to become great among
you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must
be slave of all…”
-oooREACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574
0193 or 0922 833 43 96. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com.
DISCLAIMER:
Views expressed in the opinion and commentary sections
do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Samar Weekly Express. The SWE does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the
views of readers exercising their right to free expression.
The publication, however, reserves the right to edit
contributions for clarity, as it sees fit.
--- Ed.

Need a Job?

If you are 18 years old and above, with passion on writing, and willing to be trained in various aspects of
NEWS REPORTING. You might just be the person we’re looking for to fill-in our continuing expansion.
Please submit your RESUME at SWE Editorial Office at Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan City or
call 251-9342 or 251-2341 for details.
Or email your intention to trexpelunker@yahoo.com (Look for Ricky or Cathy)

Philippine Currency, as of
December 11, 2012, inclusive of principal, interest and
surcharges but exclusive of
attorney’s fees, legal costs,
sheriff’s fees and expenses of
foreclosure, the Ex-Officio
Sheriff of RTC, Catbalogan
City, Samar, by and thru the
undersigned, will sell at public
auction on March 25, 2013 at
9:00 o’clock in the morning
or soon thereafter to 2:00
o’clock in the afternoon at
the Office of the Clerk of
Court, Regional Trial Court,
Catbalogan City, Samar to
the highest bidder, for CASH
OR MANAGER’S CHECK
and in Philippine Currency,
the following property with
all its improvements, to wit:
TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE No.
T-13206
“A parcel of land designated as Lot 9 Block 3 of
the consolidated subdivision
of Pcs-08-000592-D, being a
portion of Lots 24-26 Block
1; Lots 1-13, Blk. 2, Lot 1-12
Blk. 3; Lots 1-12 Blk. 4; Lot
1-12, Blk. 5; Lots 1-12, Blk. 6;
Lots 1-12, Blk. 7; Lots 1-12,
Blk. 8; Lots 1-3, Blk. 49; Road
Lots 1-2-3 Alley 1-2-3-4-5-6
Psd-08-008642-D, situated
in the Barangay of Jia-an,
Municipality of Jiabong,
Province of Samar, Island of
Samar. Bounded on the NE.,
along line 1-2 by Lot 8, Block
3; and on the NW., along line
4-1 by Lot 14, Block 3 all of
this subdivision. Beginning at
a point marked “1” on plan,
being S. 46 deg. 48’E., 456.12
m. From BBM # 18, Cad 255,
thence S. 36 deg. 21’E., 10.00
m. to point 2; thence S. 53
deg. 39’W., 10.00 m. to point
3; thence N. 36 deg. 21’W.,

Name _____________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________
Signature ___________________________________________
Subscription Rate: P10.00 per copy (in Catbalogan City)
Bill me: (Please check on the box of your billing preference)
Monthly
Annualy
Attention:
For payment, please use:
• A check payable to Samar Weekly EXPRESS
• A money order payable to Samar Weekly EXPRESS, or Text
us and we will pick up your payment (Cell No. 0920.7675.444.)
(cut this subscription form and send
to the above address)

LEGAL NOTICES
10.00 m. to point 4; thence
N. 53 deg. 39 E., 10.00 m to
point of beginning, containing
an area of ONE HUNDRED
(100) SQUARE METERS,
more or less. All points referred to are indicated on plan
and marked on the ground by
P.S. cyl. Conc. Mons 15x40
cm. Bearings true: Date of
the subdivision survey on
March 9-30, 1998 by Geodetic
Engineer Potenciano H. Fernandez. Date of approval by
the Regional Technical Director, DENR, LMS, Region 08,
Tacloban City on November
16, 1998.”
Prospective buyers may
investigate for themselves
the title herein described and
encumbrances thereon, if any
there be.
In the event the public
auction should not take place
on the said date, it shall be
held on April 8, 2013, same
time and at the same venue,
without further notice.
Catbalogan City, Samar,
February 27, 2013.

A verified petition has
been filed by the Petitioner LEONARD LOYOLA
OBONG, through counsel
praying that after due hearing,
the Court will render judgment ordering the Local Civil
Registrar of Calbayog City, to
cancel the Certificate of Live
Birth of the Petitioner under
Local Civil Registry No. 841
(K-76) of Calbayog City.

LEGAL NOTICES
The Petition reads:
1. That Petitioner is
of age, with capacity to sue
and be sued and is a resident
of Brgy.West Awang J.D.
Avelino St., Calbayog City,
Samar where summons and
processes of the court may be
served;
2. That the respondents, the Local Civil Registrar of Calbayog City, and
the Administrator and Civil
Registrar, National Census
and Statistics Office have
its official and postal addresses at the City Hall.Calbayog City, Samar and Metro
Manila,respectively, where
they may be served with notice and other processes.
3. That PETITIONER
is a son of spouses Leticia
Loyola and Eufronio Olaes
Obong, born on November
14, 1978. The facts of his
birth was first registered on
November 22, 1976 at the
Civil Registry of Calbayog
City under local Civil Registry
No. 841 (K-76) as per hereto
attached NSO copy of Certificate of Live Birth marked as
Annex “A”.
4. That by unadvertence Petitioner registered
again the facts of birth the
petitioner in accordance with
delayed registration at the
Civil Registry of Calbayog
City under Local Civil Registry No. 2000-1723 on May 17,
2000, as per hereto attached
NSO copy of Certificate of
Live Birth marked as Annex
“B”.
5. That the Petitioner,
has consistently been using
his delayed Certificate of
Live Birth under Local Civil
Registry No. 2000-1723 in
all his official records and

The
Samar Weekly
Express
Editorial Staff and Employees
strongly support the immediate passage of the Freedom of
Information (FOI) bill!

LINE ADS, RUNNING ADS, COMMERCIAL, ELECTION
POSTERS, ELECTION MATERIALS, AND MANY MORE...
Call us now for the rates: (055) 251-2341 / (53) 321-4833

Writers and
PhotogsWanted!
If you a photo enthusiasts, a blogger and
has passion in writing and willing to be trained
in various fields of journalism, you might just
be the person we’re looking for and this might
be your opportunity to become a promising
journalist.
Come and submit yourself to us, bring
your credentials at SWE Office located at Rizal
Avenue, this city or 251-2341 look for Cathy
or email your intention to trexpelunker@
yahoo.com..
Call now!!!

THIS SPACE AD IS
FOR SALE

Please contact us 251-2341
or 09207675444 for details.

documents as it is the said
Certificate of Live Birth
which has long been to his
possession and was thus
made as official basis in all
his official records.
6. That it was lately,
when upon verification from
the NSO, that the Petitioner
came to know of the previously registered Certificate
of Live Birth;
7. T h a t t h e r e i s
a need to cancel the previous registration which
was forwarded to the Civil
Registrar General in order
to forestall confusion and
straightened the records of
petitioner’s facts of birth.
Finding the Petition to
be sufficient in form and in
substance, notice is hereby
given that this case be set for
hearing on May 31, 2013 at
8:30 o’clock in the morning
before this Court, at which
date, time and place, all persons who have an objection
thereto may file opposition
and show cause why the
same should not be granted.
Let this Order be published at the expense of the
Petitioner once a week for
three (3) consecutive weeks
prior the above-setting in
a newspaper of general
circulation in the Province
of Samar and in Calbayog
City.
Let copies of this Order be furnished the Solicitor General, Makati City, the
Civil Registrar General of
National Census and Statistics Office, Quezon City,
the Local Civil Registrar
of Calbayog City, the City
Prosecutor, the Office of
the Clerk of Court, RTC,
Calbayog City and the Petitioner and his counsel
for their information and
guidance.
SO ORDERED
Calbayog City, Philippines, March 4, 2013.

A verified petition has
been filed by the Petitioner
REMEDIOS AWAYANTAN through counsel praying that after publication,
notice and hearing, letters of administration be
issued to petitioner and/
or Vicente Lucero for the
administration of the estate
of the deceased Vicente Tan
upon giving of a bond in
such reasonable sum as the
Honorable Court may fix
and that after all the properties of the deceased Vicente

GRTY

Gravel &
Sand

Brgy. Silanga,
Catbalogan, Samar

Tan have been inventoried
and the income from these
properties fully accounted
for and expenses, if any, duly
paid, the said estate of Vicente
Tan be settled and distributed
among his surviving heirs in
accordance with law.
The Petition reads
1. Petitioner is of legal age, widow of the late
Vicente Tan and a resident of
Brgy. Payahan Calbayog City;
2. Petitioner’s husband Vicente Tan also known
by his Chinese name Yu Si
Tiac was a naturalized Filipino. He died on July 28, 2007
at Calbayog City, Philippines.
He was a resident of Calbayog
City at the time of his death:
Certified copy of his
Certificate of Death is hereto
attached as Annex A
3. Petitioner and Vicente Tan were married on
June 27, 1988 at Calbayog
City, Philippines.
Certified copy of their
Marriage Contract is hereto
attached as Annex B
4. The late Vicente
Tan died without a will and,
so far as known to petitioner
without any debts.
5. The names, ages
and residence of the surviving
heirs of Vicente Tan, including
herein petitioner, are the following:

Filed with the Court
is a verified Petition by
Spouses Timothy Robert
Collins and Christine Go
Pantaleon Collins, through
counsel Atty. Randolph
S. Uy, for the adoption of
the minors Kathleen Go
Pantaleon and Kenjie Pantaleon Go. Said adoptees
were born on April 22,
1998 and July 02, 1999
respectively in Catbalogan
City, Samar to their biological mother, Christine Go
Pantaleon-Collins, one of
the petitioners.
Petitioners pray that
after due notice, publication and hearing, judgment
be forthwith rendered ad-

judging that the said minors
Kathleen Go Pantaleon &
Kenjie Pantaleon Go, for all
legal intents and purposes, be
the adopted children of the
herein petitioners, for them to
enjoy all the rights pertaining
thereto and that their surnames
be changed to that of the latter.
Petitione being sufficient
in form and in substance will
be set for hearing upon motion
of counsel after complying
with this Order of Publication.
The Regional Director
of the Department of Social
Welfare and Development
(DSWD), Regional Office
No. 8, Tacloban City, through
its Social Welfare Officer, is
hereby directed to prepare and
submit its Child Study report
on the adoptees as well as their
biological parents and Home
Study on the prospective
adoptive parents and indicate
a recommendation on or before the date date of hearing.

7. Petitioner posseses
all the qualifications and none
of the disqualification for appointment as administrator
of the intestate of her late
husband Vicente Tan.
8. Vicente Lucero,
the eldest son of my late
husband by Concepcion Lucero, likewise posseses all
the qualifications and none
of the disqualification for appointment as administrator as
is ready, able and willing to
serve as such if appointment
by the Honorable Court.
Finding the Petition to be
sufficient in form and in substance, notice is hereby given
that this case is set for hearing on May 31, 2013 at 8:30
o’clock in the morning before
this Court, at which date, time
and place, all persons who
have an objection thereto may

file any opposition and show
cause why the same should not
be granted.
Let this order be published at the expense of the
Petitioner once a week for
three (3) consecutive weeks
prior the above-setting in a
newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Samar
and in Calbayog City.
Let copies of the order
be furnished the surviving
heirs and the Petitioners and
her counsel.
SO ORDERED
Calbayog City Philippines, March 4, 2013.

The Court Social Welfare Officer II Ms. Annie
Llauderes is likewise hereby
directed to prepare her own
Child and Home Study reports
and recommendation to the
Court on or before the date
of hearing.
Let this Order be published at the expense of the
petitioner once a week for
three (3) consecutive weeks
in a duty accredited newspaper of general circulation
published in the Province of
Samar to be selected by raffle
under the supervision of the
Executive Judge of this Court.
Let a copy of this Order
and the Petition be furnished
the Solicitor General of the

Philippines, the Provincial
Prosecutor of Samar, the Regional Director Department of
Social Welfare and and Development (DSWD), Regional
Office No. 8, Tacloban City
and the Court’s SWO Ms. Annie Llauderes, as well as the
petitioners and their counsel.
SO ORDERED.
Catbalogan City, Samar,
March 4, 2013.

THE LOCAL CIVIL
REGISTRAR OF
CALBAYOG CITY and
THE
ADMINISTRATOR,
NATIONAL
CENSUS and STATISTICS OFFICE,
Respondents,
Spl. Proceedings No. 490
x---------------x
ORDER

titioner, ELEONOR TUAZON
ILAGAN.
The petition reads.
That petitioner is of legal age,
with capacity to sue and be sued
and a resident of Purok 6, Brgy.
Matobato, Calbayog City, while
respondent are the Government
offices/agencies charged with
the recording and registration
of births and the custodian of
the Certificate of Live Birth
which is sought to be cancelled
by this Petition, that petitioner is
the third child of now separated
in fact spouses Pablo M. Ilagan,
and Remedios A. Tuazon. She
was born in Bacarra, Ilocos
Norte on September 8, 1969.
However, her fact of birth was
not timely registered with the
Local Civil Registry Office of
Ilocos Norte, that when her parents separated sometime in the
year 1999 and her father, Pablo

This is a verified petition for
Cancellation of the Certificate
of Live Birth of Eleonor Tuazon
Ilagan, filed on September 14,
2012, by petitioner, thru counsel, praying among others, that
after due notice and hearing an
order be issued directing the
Local Civil Registry of Calbayog City, and the National
Census and Statistics Office,
Metro Manila, to CANCEL the
Certificate of Live Birth of Pe-

Republic of the
Philippines
REGIONALTRIAL
COURT
8TH Judicial Region
BRANCH 32
Calbayog City
IN THE MATTER OF
THE JUDICIAL
APPROVAL OF VOLUNTARY
RECOGNITION OF
BENCHIE
EDRAGA AS AN ACKNOWLEDGED
AND RECOGNIZED
ILLEGIMATE
CHILD OF THE LATE
BENJAMIN
ADAMOS,
BENCHIE EDRAGA
ADAMOS,
Petitioner
Spl. Proceedings No. 489
For
JUDICIAL APPROVAL
OF
VOLUNTARY
RECOGNITION
x-------------x
ORDER

establish their illegitimate
filiation in the same way
and on the same evidence as
legitimate children, and that
under Rule 105 of the Rules
of Court of the Philippines
Judicial approval of a voluntary recognition made by the
parent concerned is necessary in order to establish the
illegitimate filiation of the
petitioners so that they may
enjoy and benefit and rights
and entitlement in any kind
as provided by law.

That petitioner,
BENCHIE EDRAGA ADAMOS is the natural and illegitimate child of Benjamin
Adamos, and Chelita E. Titoy,
a Filipino, of legal age and
residents of Brgy. Rizal II,
Oquendo District Calbayog
City, that the late Benjamin
Adamos is survived by her
other immediate descendants
namely Wife, Catalina de Vera
Adamos, Children namely
Edwin Adamos Catalina Medina, Analie Fong, Jocelyn
Dionisio Juliana Villaverde ,

Benjamin Antonio and Benjamin Adamos Jr; that the aforenamed descendants reside
at 29 Basa St. West Tapinac
Olongapo City, that the petitioner is living with her natural mother Chelita E. Titoy
who took care and raised her
since her birth with residence
at Brgy. Rizal II, Oquendo
District Calbayog City, that
sometime on January of 1986,
the petitioners mother met
Benjamin Adamos while she
was on vacation at Olongapo
with her sister and cousin.
Thereafter, they decided to
live together and on September 1987, both found out that
petitioners mother is already
pregnant with their daughter
Benchie E. Adamos, that on
November 1987, Benchie E.
Adamos went to the United
States to seek for greener
pasture while Chelita E. Titoy
went back home to Brgy.
Rizal II, Oquendo District,
Calbayog City that on May
7, 1988, Petitioner was born
and named Benchie Edraga
Adamos. Since then the Petitioners father constantly communicated with her mother
through letters. On December
of 1988, a check was sent to
the Petitioners mother and
from then on, there has been
no communication between
them. On June 1998, a letter
was sent from her cousin that
the Petitioners father was already dead; That on June 11,
1988, the petitioner was baptized in the name of Benchie
Adamos. However, it was only
on April of 2002 that the Petitioner was registered in the
Office of the Civil Registrar,
Calbayog City, in the name
of Benchie Edraga, that the
name BENCHIE EDRAGA
ADAMOS is consistently
used by the petitioner in all
her scholastic records as well
as in her employment records,
that the use of the surname of
the Petitioners father was in
confidence that she is a duly
acknowledged illegitimate
child who was born out of the
mutual love of her parents,
that the Petitioner invokes
the provision of Article 175
of the Family Code in relation to Article 172 thereof,
that illegitimate children may

M. Ilagan, return to Calbayog
City, he belatedly registered
the fact of birth of Eleonor with
the Local Civil Registry Office
of Calbayog City, with an honest belief that he can register
said fact of birth in Calbayog
City because he is a resident of
Calbayog City, that sometime
in September of 2011,when
Petitioner instructed her sister
JOSEPHINE ILAGAN ARROYO, to cause the late registration of her birth with the
Local Civil Registry Office of
Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, the latter
discovered that she had an existing Certificate of Live Birth
before the Local Civil Registry
Office of Calbayog City, that
the truth of the matter is that
Petitioner was born in Bacarra
Ilocos Norte, on September 8,
1969, and that there is a need
to CANCEL her Certificate of

Live Birth with the Local Civil
Registry Office of Calbayog
City, so that petitioner can correctly and properly cause the
registration of her fact of birth
with the Local Civil Registry
Office of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
WHEREFORE finding the petition to be sufficient in form and
substance notice is hereby given
that this case is set for the initial
hearing on May 20, 2013 at 2:00
o’clock in the afternoon before
this Court at which date time
and place all person who have
objection thereto may file any
opposition and show cause why
the petition should be allowed.
Let copy of this Order be published at the expense of the
petitioner once a week for three
(3) consecutive weeks prior the
above-setting in a newspaper
of general circulation in the
Province of Samar and in the

City of Calbayog.
Furnish copy of this Order
together with a copy of the
Petition and its annexes to the
Office of the Solicitor General
(OSG) at 134 Amorsolo Street,
Legaspi Village, Makati City,
the Office of the City Prosecutor, Calbayog City, the
Office of the Clerk of Court,
Calbayog City, the parties
and their counsels, for their
information and comments.

This is verified petition for Judicial Approval
of Voluntary Recognition
of Benchie Edraga as an acknowledged and Recognized
Illegitimate Child of the Late
Benjamin Adamos filed on
September 03, 2012, by petitioner thru counsel, praying
among others that after due
notice and hearing judgment be entered adjudging
BENCHIE EDRAGA ADAMOS, as the duly recognized
illegitimate child of the late
Benjamin Adamos.
The petition reads:

WHEREFORE, finding
the petition to be sufficient in
form and substance, notice is
hereby given that this case is
set for initial hearing on May
20, 2013 at 2:00 o’clock in
the afternoon before this
Court, at which date, time
and place all persons who
have objection thereto may
file any opposition and
show cause why the petition
should not be allowed.
Let copy of this Order
be published at the expense
of the petitioner once a week
for three (3) consecutive
weeks prior the abovesetting in a newspaper of
general circulation in the
Province of Samar and in the
City of Calbayog.
Furnish copy of this
Order together with a copy of
the Petition and its annexes,
to the Office of the Solicitor
General (OSG) at 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village,
Makati City, the Office of the
City Prosecutor, Calbayog
City, The Office of the Clerk
of Court, Calbayog City, the
parties and their counsels,
for their information and
comments.
SO ORDERED
IN CHAMBERS, February 20, 2013, Calbayog
City.

Pinay-canadian
beauty finds way
back home
By RICKY J. BAUTISTA,
SWE News & Features

MARCH 12 - 18, 2013

8 Pages

SALE! SALE! SALE!
BEACH LOT
FOR SALE!

ORAS, Eastern, Samar -- “I have officially signed with
Elite Model Management.”
Exclaimed a 17-year old Filipina-Canadian Lisa Lorraine
Montallana Leslie who posted online her new accomplish1.) 2,037 sq. m.
ment in pursuing her show business goal.
Lisa, was in the country, particularly in Oras, Eastern Sa2.) 5, 272 sq. m.
mar and interacted with her cousins, relatives, to include this
paper’s business manager Ms. Alma Montallana Grafil.
P500/sq. m. ONLY!
When Lisa made public her latest gigs in the Philippines,
friends from Canada and in this country congratulated her
with many of them saying, “It is expected” because of the girl’s
Clean Papers
beauty and brain plus talent features.
Location: Brgy. Tingib,
One of her photos and videos posted via Facebook was
her and her cousin, Aileen, was their exposure and guestings
Basey, Samar
at “Showtime” and other Pinoy shows.
Fronting Tacloban City
Back stage, she was able to have chit-chats with local
celebrities, among them, was Anne Curtis who looks like the
Pinay-canadian.
After series of meetings and on-screen TV exposures, she
signed contract with the Elite Company which is considered
one of the world’s premier modeling agency and fashion academy in Manila, Philippines.
Hosted by
Elite has a reputation of being the top modeling agency
AKSYON GILBERT
worldwide that launched the careers of top models such as
Cindy Crawford, Stephanie Seymour, Tatjana Patitz, Gisele
‘Gibo’ ARTECHE
Bundchen, Alessandra Ambrosio, Claudia Schiffer, and
5:30 - 6:30 A.M.
Naomi Campbell amongst other celebrities.
Mon.-Fri.
According to her relatives in Samar, Lisa, 17, wishes to
Simulcast
with
enter showbiz entertainment in the Philippines. And the
recent signing was considered a “good start” in her career in
MSFM 102.5 khz
the country.
It was learned that, in her younger years, Lisa started her
passion for the stage singing, dancing and playing piano, having been recognized for her talents in the Festival of the Arts
for many years garnering over 15 plaques and trophies.
Lisa is a proud Filipina-Canadian who feels her knowledge of different cultures will help youth understand the
importance of equality between cultures.
When I first saw the girl in Tacloban City, inside the
office of her Tita Alma, I saw the real beauty (inside and outside) in her. She is young, fragile, approachable, and charismatic and seems to be a determined young lady.
In my wild prediction, at least, I was correct in saying
that this girl will soon succeed in the near future. In fact, her
Tita Alma said, Lisa on her very tender age of 17, she already
reached the stardom by winning beauty pageant contests, not
to mention achieving honor roll status in her academic studies every year.
I have noticed in between conversation between Lisa and
her kins that she is indeed a good conversant and bilingual.
She spoke both French and English fluently. She said, she is
on her way of learning the local dialect - Waray. Lisa’s future
ambition is becoming a pharmacist. Lisa enjoys photography,
writing novels and travelling.
Lisa is looking forward to the future opportunities of her
interests of modeling and acting. As the reigning Miss Teen
Central British Columbia, Lisa intends to use her title to its
full extent as an ambitious, positive role model for today’s growing
youth.
In her recent visit here, she once again reconnected the Pinoy blood
in her with high hopes to live permanently in the Philippines. She loves to east most of the Pinoy foods.
In the office of Leyte-Samar Daily Express, in Tacloban City, one of the reporters of Express,
Mr. Reyan Arinto, was able to interview one-on-one Ms. Lisa Leslie. And here’s some of her revelations:
In her pageant sorties, Lisa was
“I actually love it. I love and been around this town [Tacloban]. I have been to
crowned as Miss Teen Canada World
Dulag, Naval [in Biliran]…I have been all over Leyte and of course, Boracay!” Lisa exclaimed.
in Toronto and Miss Teen Central
“In Manila, I have lots of meetings and I hopefully gonna start my showbiz career there because
British Columbia - World 2011.
I’m really interested in the culture and I love the language. I want to meet lots of people and just offer
myself up to my potential. I’m really excited to work with showbiz in and see what’s in store for me,”
Lisa said. “I am half Filipino and it’s a very big part of who I am. You can tell right away from looking
at me that I’m not completely Caucasian. I’ve always wanted to come here. I’m here to explore my
roots and see the culture and life,” Lisa added.
Credits: Center photo by
“My mother taught me a lot of things growing up on being a Filipino. Unlike many other races,
Nani Ruiz-Banson, atFilipinos are very close to their families. There are a lot of family get-togethers,” Lisa continued.
tached photos by Lisa’s fb
“That’s one of the special things of the Filipino culture, being family-oriented and respectful. I
account and clip
t’s something we don’t really have in Canada,” she added.
interviews from Reyan
Lisa already got her professional start as a teen model.
Arinto of Express.
“I was a Miss Teen Canada World. I first started with the provincial pageant Miss
British Columbia World and I was in the top 16 and I was crowned Miss Teen British
Columbia World. After that, after about three months of training, I went to Toronto,
to run Miss Teen Canada World, which was an amazing experience. There were around
60 of us girls, all around from Canada. And then I got 20 people’s choice,” Lisa said.
Lisa credits her upbringing for teaching her to fully embrace who she is. “I think that just
knowing that you are a good person and you try to do things to the best of your ability.”
Her homecoming schedule may have been dotted with meetings, meet-and-greetings, pictorials, a sojourn to Boracay, but what does matter to her are family reunions especially her relatives
in Oras, Eastern Samar where her mother came from. “I’m just very grateful! But I’m not going to forget where I came from and what I did to get here.”